Decorating Drawers With Novelty Pulls and Knobs

Bored with the usual brass knobs and anodized aluminum cabinet pulls that you find on most cabinets? Fortunately the newest trends in cabinet fixtures are far from boring and not only that, they can help transform even the dullest looking set of drawers from Ikea into a personalized style statement.

Perhaps the most expansive trend in cabinet and drawer pulls are the novelty pulls. These handles are made in a variety of materials including aluminum, bronze, solid granite, sand granite, crystal and of course plastic.

One of the most popular new types of pulls are the Euro-Design aluminum fixtures, which greatly compliment the sleek, spare interiors of a condo. These streamlined fixtures are anodized to give them a slightly burnished appearance. These pulls compliment Swedish and Modern interior decoration as well as Industrial fashion themes. Common are pulls that look like T-bars, wedges or simple arches. These types of pulls also come in different colors such as gold or bronze.

Another trend that is suited to the clean look of a condo are the new granite pulls. Made of real granite and stone these pulls come in the colors of the earth and greatly compliment a home that is modernistic, Japanese or Mediterranean in design.

If you are trying to reinvent the history of a home you might opt for bronze or cast iron pulls. Many companies that specialize in reproductions are recasting bronze pulls from models that are centuries old. This can give your home a Victorian, Renaissance, Gothic or even medieval feel. Often these fixtures will boast affectations such as hinged pulls and fake keyholes.

If classic Victorian charm is what you are looking for than many companies are manufacturing miniature glass rosettes in just about every color of the rainbow. You can also buy anodized aluminum pulls that are made to mimic the fairy, flora and fauna designs from the Arts and Crafts Era. Perhaps the easiest way to decide what type of cabinet pulls are best for you is to make a firm decision about what is most important to you: your taste or your sense of humor. If you are lucky you should be able to replace those boring old brass knobs (with the rosette on the end) with a novelty fixture that combines both humor and fashion.

Also of great visual interest is the large assortment of plastic novelty knobs that are available on the market. Now any piece of furniture can be enlivened by the addition of a bright, durable knob manufactured in just about any color or shape (animal, vegetable or mineral) that you can think of. When it comes to decorative cabinet knobs it seems that there is no limit to manufacturer’s imagination nor should there be to yours.

How to Decorate in Maritime Style

Decorating in the Maritime style is a bit rustic, a bit whimsical but also very practical in an old-fashioned way. Any home can be decorated in this style but it really does suit homes that are on a waterfront the best.

Stripes say “nautical” as do anchors and any motif with whales, manatees, dolphins or other ocean life on it. Decorate your bedroom in striped white and blue fabrics. You can get beautiful natural blankets and linens with a lateral blue and white strap as well as sheets with anchor imagery on them.

Another interesting nautical theme is bluebirds. For years bluebird tattoos were boasted by sailors as each bluebird tattoo symbolized an ocean vogage. Bluebirds look great painted as motifs on door frames and other places. You can also buy curtains and pillows that have this theme.

Anything with an anchor on it will give the idea that you are expressing the Maritime theme. On your dining table be sure to have plates with crown and anchor motifs. You can also buy place mats made out of rattan and rope baskets to drive the point even further home.

A cute touch are photographic frames that look like life preservers. There is a company called Mariposa that is making these out of recycled aluminum. Also nothing says “Maritimes” more than the classic sailing ship trapped in a bottle sitting on your mantel. Model ships, both antique and modern, displayed on shelves or hanging from the ceiling also express a nautical theme.

In the kitchen hang a nice big chalkboard in a battered frame in a color like sea foam or a buttery yellow. Look for key holders, cork screws, tea towels and other accessories in aquatic colors with sailor or ocean motifs.

Anything made out of rope emphasizes the maritime theme. You can buy mats made out old recycled lobster rope that come in different brilliant colors. You can also buy doorstoppers made out of a classic monkey fist knot. A company called Uncommon Goods makes a very nice example of this.

A bronze outdoor lantern hanging from a chain helps keep the front porch looking friendly. These lights tend to be coal colored frames that hold bright white glass shades encasing a clear shade encasing a sheer bulb. Even in the thickest of fogs this type of touch will make your visitors feel welcome.
Finally anywhere in your home you see fit to put collections of sea shells or sea glass will help you achieve that nautical look.